It is undeniabley our human nature to be ungrateful. It seems that as the blessings pile up in our lives we are always looking for more. The desire for more sends us into a feverish competition, striving hard, often forgetting the blessings we have already accumulated. Blessings so simple to us but yet to someone in the world so coveted.
We take for granted that we have homes while there are many homeless to be found around the world suffering in the extreme heat and bitterly cold winters. We take comfort in having enough food and water to sustain us while there are those in the world who go to bed night after night hungry while watching their malnourished children slowly die. Often ,we are caught up in the latest clothing while many are reduced to wearing ripped tattered rags. We have peace of mind that we have found the best religioin and enjoy living our way of life while there are others searching desperatley for the truth and their purpose in life.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) feared this trial of wealth and ease so much that he warned his companions:
Amr bin `Auf Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) sent Abu `Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah (May Allah be pleased with him) to Bahrain to collect (Jizyah). So he returned from Bahrain with wealth. The Ansar got news of it and joined with the Prophet (PBUH) in the Fajr prayer. When the Prophet (PBUH) concluded the prayer, they stood in his way. When he saw them, he smiled and said, “I think you have heard about the arrival of Abu `Ubaidah with something from Bahrain”. They said, “Yes! O Messenger of Allah!”. He (PBUH) said, “Rejoice and hope for that which will please you. By Allah, it is not poverty that I fear for you, but I fear that this world will be opened up with its wealth for you as it was opened to those before you; and you vie with one another over it as they did and eventually it will ruin you as it ruined them”.
[Muslim].
All the things we have, All the blessings we have earned been given seem to pale in comparision when we look to those above us. Though, if we may lower our noses, just a tad and look to those below us, we may find ourselves being more grateful for what we do have rather than pining for that which we do not possess.
Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.
( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse 152)
And if We give man a taste of Mercy from Us, and then withdraw it from him, verily! He is despairing, ungrateful.
( سورة هود , Hud, Chapter #11, Verse #9)
So (as a result of that ) they deny (with ungratefulness) that (Allahs Favours) which We have bestowed on them! Then enjoy yourselves (your short stay), but you will come to know (with regrets).
( سورة النحل , An-Nahl, Chapter #16, Verse #55)
Recent Comments